Tired and Numb

This was a particularly busy week at work and the kids were really squirrelly. It happens when they have not been able to play outside and a holiday is approaching. Plus, two of my most high strung kids are moving within the month and their anxiety is heightened greatly. One assistant took a day off, so we had a sub...who was useless, by the way! I've spent at least three days this week with one child following me around by hanging on to the back of my shirt, another (who's not verbal), continually punching me in the back to get my attention (no matter how many other alternatives I gave him) and a third who interspersed her day with screaming at ear piercing levels. Add to that I've got two more in potty training. There were green runny noses all around so you can see the bedlam. Oh yes, and a fire drill...for children whose sensory systems cannot stand loud unexplained noises and disruptions in routines. Then I've had extra meetings during lunch and after school: wheelchair repairman, postobservation (of my teaching) results with principal, updates for parents' who are moving and video-ed one child to send off somewhere for more help with communication boards. Its all great and wonderful because we are moving Forward, but it is exhausting. By yesterday afternoon, my body and mind were on automatic. We did get to play outside a couple of days and we took advantage of it for more than our usually allotted time. The weather has been mild and we all needed the fresh air. The kids needed the space to run, ride trikes and just 'be.'

I guess even Lilo is feeling house-bound, as she has begun a morning weekend ritual of sitting in front of the door, pawing at it and meowing. Where did she get that? I've "created a monster" by allowing her to go onto the landing a few times!